The Minnesota Vikings are in the market for some insurance at quarterback. The former No. 10 overall pick in 2024, QB J.J. McCarthy, is entering his third year in the league, but the Vikings have reasons to be concerned about his long-term future. After missing his entire rookie season with a meniscus injury, McCarthy played in just 10 games in 2025 due to several injuries.
Even when he played, McCarthy’s performances were up and down, to say the least. On the year, he threw for 1,632 yards and 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, completing 57.6 percent of his passes and taking 27 sacks. Between that statline and his health, the Vikings simply can’t afford to go into next season without bringing in a veteran option at the position.
It doesn’t help matters that Minnesota’s starter in 2024, Sam Darnold, is about to play in the Super Bowl for the Seahawks. The Vikings signed Darnold to compete with McCarthy in his rookie season, and when McCarthy suffered his meniscus injury, Darnold started the entire season. All he did was throw for over 4,000 yards and win 14 games, but the Vikings chose to let him walk and ride with McCarthy in 2025. It was a decision that ultimately cost former Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah his job.
The Minnesota Vikings Could Look to Bring Back an Old Friend
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 01: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings drops back to pass during the first half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
One option for the Vikings could be their former starter, QB Kirk Cousins. After years as the face of Minnesota’s team, Cousins signed a big free agent contract with the Falcons, only for them to draft QB Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the same draft in which the Vikings took McCarthy. Penix eventually usurped Cousins’ job, and now the veteran is buried on the bench.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote on Saturday about Cousins’ future in Atlanta and the possibility he reunites with the Vikings:
“Cousins has made no secret of his desire to become a full-time starter again,” Russini wrote. “But Atlanta needs a capable backup, especially one who might have to play early as Michael Penix Jr. works his way back from his third ACL surgery. There’s also the Kevin Stefanski factor. Atlanta’s new head coach served as Cousins’ OC for one season in Minnesota.”
“I’m watching to see if the Falcons find any parties interested in their backup,” she continued. “Speaking of those Vikings, one league source speculated that Cousins could be an option there, given his history with Kevin O’Connell and Minnesota’s desire to bring in competition for young J.J. McCarthy.”
Could the Minnesota Vikings Make a Run at Bengals QB Joe Burrow?
Vikings fans aren’t content to simply ride into 2026 with McCarthy or hope for the return of Cousins. They have their sights set on a bigger target: Bengals QB Joe Burrow.
“Despite the hopes and dreams of Minnesota Vikings fans, the Cincinnati Bengals have no intention of trading Joe Burrow — to Minnesota or anywhere else,” Russini wrote. “As for Burrow’s overall happiness? Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase told me he isn’t worried about Burrow’s future, despite late-season speculation after another missed playoff opportunity.”
Insider Shares Update on Ex-Vikings QB Kirk Cousins’ Future Amid J.J. McCarthy Questions